It's time for the last big summer party with these easy Labor Day Recipes. Fire up the backyard grill or make some of the other summer favorites. So, let's get started.

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Although it is "labor" day, none of us want to work for our fun. I present for your consideration a few great, simple ways to cap off the "traditional" summer season.
If you get to the end of this post, you will be rewarded with an enjoyable Labor Day story—do you have a Labor Day story?
The Classic BIG THREE of Grilling
The classic big three of grilling, all with easy-to-follow photo tutorials.
Easier Grill Recipes
OK, maybe you want less work but still world-class results. Here are the easier grill options.
Sauce and Dry Rubs
Grilling Side Dishes
There is nothing like grilled vegetables or fruits. That extra grill flavor is just outstanding.
Oven Recipes
Not everybody wants to grill, so let's switch focus to the oven.
Pie, Pie, Pie, and Kinda Pie
Your holiday meal desires a great ending that everybody will be talking about.
FOOD SAFETY
Finally, a few food safety reminders—so easy to forget but so important to remember.
It is up to you to keep your friends and family safe. I see dangerous food handling on TV food shows and other blogs frequently. So, know the rules. PLEASE.
As a start, please review my Summer Food Safety post. Let’s be safe out there. No, Uncle Joe cannot have his burger rare, even though you wouldn’t mind seeing him sick. It is your responsibility to keep them all safe.
My Bad—A Labor Day Story
When I first started my private practice almost 50 years ago, I started in mid-August, and the other pediatrician went on vacation (his first is over a year) a week later.
I was left to see patients and make all business decisions. It was the Friday before Labor Day, and I was saying good night to the employees and told them I would see them on Monday. A huge scream went up.
Them: "No, Tuesday"
Me: "Monday"
Them: (very loudly) "Tuesday, Monday is Labor Day."
Me: "So"
Them: "It's a holiday."
Me: "No"
Them: "YES"
Me: "A real holiday? I thought it was like Ground Hog Day or Columbus Day."
Them: "See you TUESDAY," they all shook their heads as they walked out snickering.
Me: "Hmmm, OK."
In my defense, I have just come out of years of medical training, working 80 to 100 hours per week. There were only two holidays, the Fourth of July and Christmas, and you got one off. All the rest of the days were equal, meaning they were nothing special, and you worked.
My bad, I guess.
I put that in to see if anybody got this far. And it is totally true. Even the wording is correct. Who else has a Labor Day story?
So relax and enjoy yourself. Grill a hot dog and have some ice cream. Enjoy your family and reflect on the last few years. Be kind to all and be filled with grace.
Wifo, Molly, Lilly, and DrDan
Originally Published August 31, 2014. This post is reused yearly but is edited and updated annually. Some comments may be from previous years.
Janet Gatlin
Happy Labor Day, Dr Dan! Love getting your emails!!
PS. Glad you let your employees off that first Labor Day 😉
Gloria Bates
Have a wonderful and safe Labor Day! I always look forward to your emails, and especially love the doggie pictures :)
Fran
You are such a delight to deal with.....to read your recipes and comments....to see the pix of your precious pets. Many of the recipes are great for me and my husband, but I just enjoy you whether or not the recipe is up our alley. Keep up the good work....you are a bright spot in this world. Here's wishing you and your loved ones --- pets definitely included -- a wonderful and tasty Labor Day! Take care....stay healthy.
Jean
Your the greatest. Please take very good care of yourself you mean a lot to us.
Happy Labor Day!
Jean
Beverly Barndt
A Happy Labor Day to you also as well! and your little dogs too!
Janice
I appreciate all you go through to keep this blog for us!
Deborah Zuniga
Enjoy your recipes and doggie updates! Please notify when new ones post. Thanks!
Deborah Zuniga / Round Rock, Texas